Description
Book Synopsis Raising an almost perfect pet does not happen by accident. When people acquire pets, they may not be certain about what to expect, but few anticipate the problems that can result--including expenses, health care issues and bad behaviors--or the emotional investment that comes with a true commitment to another living being. Being prepared, having realistic expectations, and raising pets with desired outcomes can make the experience one to be treasured.
This handbook is a complete guide to dog and cat care aimed at pet owners wishing to raise healthy, happy pets and to foster a lasting, loving relationship with their four-legged friends.
Table of ContentsAuthors' Note
Preface
1. Path to an Almost Perfect Pet
Why Own a Pet in the First Place? 4
The Concept of Pet Ownership 5
Planning for Success 8
Each Pet-Owner Relationship Is Unique 11
Pet-Specific Care 12
Putting It All Together 15
Case Example 17
2. Appropriate Pet Selection: A Companion for Life
Acquiring a Pet: Check First Before Ever Selecting a Pet 19
Pet-Proofing Your Living Space 20
Other Considerations 23
The Selection Process 26
So Many Choices 28
Sources of Pets 30
Next Steps 33
Case Example 36
3. Purebreds, Mixed Breeds and Everything in Between
Purebreds 38
Hybrids 41
Mixed Breeds 42
Hybrid Vigor: Is It Real? 47
The Big Picture 49
Final Thoughts 52
Case Example 52
4. Personalizing Health Care for Pets (Pet-Specific Care)
Why Embrace a New Approach? 57
Maintenance Schedules 61
Playing Detective 62
Predisposition to Disease 65
Family History 68
Horses and Zebras 71
Personalizing Cost of Care 71
Letting Go 72
Case Example 75
5. Pet Health Care Delivery in an On-Demand World
The Veterinary Team 78
Telehealth 81
Remote Monitoring 85
Pet Portals 87
Blockchain 88
Case Example 91
6. Prevention: The Best Medicine
Controlling the Situation 93
Controlling Infectious Diseases 96
Parasite Control 99
Exercise and Weight Management 102
Oral Care 104
Start with Healthy Stock 105
Identification 107
Body Modification 108
Case Example 110
7. Why Early-Detection Strategies Make Sense
Genetic Testing 115
Orthopedic Screening 120
Specialist Evaluation 122
Other Testing 122
Do We Need to Test for Everything? 125
Case Example 126
Case Example 127
8. The Changing Nature of Pet Medications
New Types of Medications 129
Buying Medications 131
Veterinary Medications Versus Human Medications 133
Generics and Biosimilars 134
Compliance and Adherence 135
Drug Resistance 137
Nutritional Therapeutics 139
Cannabinoids 141
Case Example 142
9. Nutritional Considerations
Basic Pet Nutrition 144
Commercial Pet Foods 147
Homemade Diets 152
Raw Food Diets 154
Sustainability 156
Overnutrition 156
Case Example 158
10. Mindfulness and Pet Care: Promoting Positive Pet Mental Health
Mindfulness 161
Stress and Anxiety in Pets 162
Reward and Punishment 164
Toilet Training 166
Socialization and Habituation 168
Almost Perfect Meets Fear Free® 169
Environmental Enrichment 170
Animal Welfare 173
Case Example 173
11. Pet Parenting
Parenting Styles 179
Social Creatures: Dogs 181
Social Creatures: Cats 184
Succeeding Together 188
Case Example 189
12. Pet Health Care Affordability
Pet Health Insurance 196
Payment and Wellness Plans 201
Other Options 202
Incremental Care 204
Till Death Do Us Part 205
Case Example 207
Index
